Springtime In Your Pond

Now that spring is here, you’re probably noticing some changes in your pond— your fish are coming back to life and you may even be able to see some plant growth. Some changes that are taking place, however, aren’t so desirable, like that excess algae growth that you’ve been noticing. Understanding the transition that your pond makes from winter into spring and summer is essential in maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem.You’ve just spent your weekend cleaning your pond. A couple weeks pass, and you notice an incredible growth of string algae. “Not again,” you screech to yourself. “I thought my pond was clean!” Well, my friend, cleanliness does not necessarily mean algae-free, especially in the cool water of the early spring.Algae don’t mind cool water, but for the rest of your pond’s ecosystem, 55°F is kind of the magic number. The plants and bacteria don’t jump into action, in the battle of the green monster, until the water temperature reaches, and consistently stays, around 50° to 55°F. At this time they start growing and are then able to use up the excess nutrients that the algae would otherwise be feasting on. This is the reason for the feared spring algae bloom.

PlantsWhile growing, aquatic plants absorb a lot of the nutrients in the water, and this helps combat algae growth. Until they are actively growing, they have no use for the natural fertilizer lurking in the pond. But as they begin growing, they will naturally out-compete the algae for the nutrients, the algae will be starved, and the pond water will become clearer. Another benefit that plants provide, particularly water lilies, is that they shade the surface of the water, also cutting down on the growth of the string algae.BacteriaBacteria also need warmer water to begin growing and colonizing, thus helping clean up the algae. You can help jump start the process by adding supplemental bacteria and providing them with a place to colonize. Since bacteria like lots of nooks and crannies, having rocks and gravel in your pond will help a lot. If you can’t, or don’t want to add rocks and gravel to your pond, you’ll have less bacteria working for you. A biological filter containing a medium like lava rock with lots of surface area also accomplishes this, and a combination of both is best. The more surface area, the more bacteria, which means more competition for algae, and clearer water.FishFish are also sensitive to water temperature, and as it warms up, you will see more activity, and be tempted to feed them. I know you’ve missed your fish all winter, I’ve missed mine too, but until the water temperature is consistently at 55°F, don’t feed them. Their metabolism is still in slow motion and their bodies cannot digest the food you may feed them, causing their stomachs to burst, leading to death. When you do start feeding them, begin with small amounts of whatever food you normally use.Patience Please…Patience is essential. If you’ve stocked your pond with plenty of plants, and the temperature is just right, and you’ve started adding supplemental bacteria, your pond will balance itself out. Resist the urge to add chemicals to your pond or use UV sterilizers. Eventually Mother Nature will help you with your pond maintenance.